In this episode, Kevin and Michelle Machado discuss:

• How the digital age and COVID disrupted human connection and leadership habits
• Why mindset transformation is essential for lasting personal and organizational change
• The growing crisis of loneliness, social disconnection, and what leaders can do about it
• Embracing intuition, alignment, and faith when taking career and life risks
• The power of storytelling and vulnerability in forging authentic connections

Key Takeaways:

• Depth matters more than frequency. Leadership is less about how often you communicate and more about the quality of trust you create in those interactions.
• The digital age made disconnection easy to normalize. Left unchecked, it quietly reshapes how people lead and relate without them even noticing.
• Not every setback is a dead end. Often, what feels like failure is life’s way of rerouting you toward a better path you wouldn’t have chosen otherwise.
• The most effective leaders focus less on titles and more on aligning their values, purpose, and mission with how they show up for others.
• When leaders share the tough, messy parts of their stories, it opens a door. Vulnerability invites empathy, connection, and a sense of shared humanity.

"Rejection is redirection." – Michelle Machado

About Michelle Machado:

Michelle is a global force in education and leadership, but at the heart of her work is something even more powerful: mindset transformation.

Dr. Michelle Machado is a trailblazer who believes that lasting change begins from the inside out. As the founder of Luminara Academy and a certified NeuroChangeSolutions Consultant, she equips individuals and organizations to break free from limiting beliefs and lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

With a PhD, an MBA, and a Fellowship in Higher Education, Dr. Michelle brings both academic rigor and real-world wisdom to the conversation. Her work spans continents and cultures, but her message is universal: if you change your mind, you can change your life—and your leadership.

She’s not just teaching innovation—she’s helping people think in innovative ways. And in a world that’s evolving faster than ever, she’s showing us that mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for everything.

Connect with Michelle Machado:

Website: https://www.michelledmachado.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledmachado/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Marcela Andrés discuss:

• How Marcela’s career pivot from corporate insurance to education reshaped her leadership purpose
• The power of seeing humanity first in leadership and organizational culture
• Breaking down silos in education, business, and community systems to foster connection
• The role of self-awareness, storytelling, and embracing personal history in effective leadership
• Taking risks, redefining success, and building resilience as an entrepreneur and thought leader

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership begins with recognizing the humanity in others. It isn’t about titles or positions, but about connecting deeply with the people you work alongside.
• Systems that aren’t intentionally designed for connection naturally breed disconnection, and the first step toward change is becoming aware of the systems at play.
• Resilience isn’t just a personal trait — it’s a survival strategy for navigating spaces that are not built for your success, both professionally and personally.
• To lead with confidence and empathy, it’s necessary to embrace your full story, the high points and hardships alike.
• Purpose matters, but so does preserving space for joy, family, and personal well-being. Work is only one part of life’s equation.

"No one is walking this world right now who got to choose how and what circumstances they were going to be born into." – Marcela Andrés

About Marcela Andrés:

Marcela is a shining star of purpose and innovation in the world of education. She’s the President and CEO of designEDengagement, PBC, a dynamic, Latina-owned education consulting company based in the heart of Texas, where collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the blueprint.

With a bold vision to redesign how schools, families, and communities engage with one another, Marcela Andrés is leading a movement to transform the educational landscape—one relationship at a time. She's the author of Purposeful Educator Connections, a practical and heartfelt guide for creating authentic partnerships in education.

As a TEDx speaker, thought leader, and relentless advocate for equity, Marcela is on a mission to make sure every family, regardless of background, has the knowledge, the resources, and the confidence to not just keep up with AI-driven tools but to thrive because of them.

Marcela brings passion, clarity, and a deeply human touch to everything she does—and today, she’s here to challenge our thinking, stir our hearts, and help us reimagine what’s possible in education.

Connect with Marcela Andrés:

Website: https://www.marcelaandres.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarcelaandres  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelaandres/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designEDengagement

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Scott Duffey discuss:

• The importance of humility, faith, and compassion in criminal justice leadership
• How law enforcement leaders can build trust through active listening and genuine connection
• The evolving conversation around mental health awareness in public safety professions
• The value of mentorship and learning from both good and flawed leaders
• The need for self-awareness and knowing personal limitations in leadership roles

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in law enforcement must prioritize listening over control. Great leaders know when to talk and when to listen, ensuring their people feel heard and supported.
• Self-awareness is a cornerstone of leadership maturity. Recognizing personal triggers, limits, and insecurities helps leaders make clearer, wiser decisions under pressure.
• Mental health conversations in public safety must move beyond stigma. Scott advocates for creating safe spaces where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness, and where help-seeking is actively encouraged.
• Mentorship leaves a lasting impact. The leaders who shape you—good or bad—stay with you, and it’s crucial to pass on what you’ve learned to the next generation.
• Every human connection matters. Every person you meet is a meaningful, potentially life-changing encounter worth respecting.

"Enjoy every minute of it, and don't be down on yourself for more than it takes to learn from that mistake and move forward." – Scott Duffey

About Scott Duffey:

Scott Duffey is a powerhouse in the world of criminal justice—someone who has not only worn the badge but has shaped the minds behind it. With 27 years of combined law enforcement experience and nearly two decades of police instruction and training under his belt, he brings both street wisdom and academic excellence to the table.

He currently serves as the Director of the Wilmington University Criminal Justice Institute, where he leads the charge in preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

But that’s not all—he was an FBI special agent for 22 years and also taught for the FBI, specializing in interview and interrogation techniques, sharing his expertise with law enforcement professionals across the globe. When it comes to understanding the criminal mind and the art of effective communication under pressure, this is the man they call.

Connect with Scott Duffey:

Website: https://cji.wilmu.edu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssrafbi_ret/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-duffey-673689a/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, discuss:

• The importance of empathy, courage, and standing on principle as a leader
• Breaking down medical jargon and increasing health literacy in underserved communities
• How health equity and advocacy reshape cancer care for marginalized populations
• Mentorship, perception, and leadership development beyond formal titles
• Why the STEM pipeline needs to start early to inspire future scientists and leaders

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership requires empathy and relentless integrity. Leaders must relate to others, admit what they don’t know, and stand by their principles—even at personal cost.
• Health literacy is a life-saving issue. Patients must be empowered to ask questions, understand their care, and demand equitable treatment. 
• Mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all. A good leader or mentor learns to perceive what makes people tick and guides them based on their unique strengths, not by forcing them into predefined roles.
• Success isn’t a final destination—it’s a moving target.  
• Early exposure is key to STEM diversity. Fostering interest in science and engineering by the third or fourth grade significantly increases the likelihood of long-term engagement and success in these fields.

"A lot of people are gonna try to put you in places, in boxes, and try to make you behave this way. Just keep being you, and just keep doing." – Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD

About Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD:

Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, is a Mechanical and Biomedical Engineer, Molecular and Cell Biologist, and Biochemist with over 20 years of impact in cancer biology, biomechanics, and health equity.

He’s an inspirational speaker, educator, and founder of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Foundation, working to diversify the STEMM workforce and improve outcomes for underserved communities in cancer care.

Connect with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., PhD:

Website: https://www.scheq.org/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenemanleyjrphd/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/stemmcheq/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/STEMMCHEQ/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemmcheq/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

In this episode, Kevin and Laurie Battaglia discuss:

• How Laurie’s early life and career shaped her leadership journey
• The critical role of trust-building in leadership and organizational culture
• Why lazy, outdated leadership models are no longer sustainable
• The power of inclusion, mentorship, and championing diverse voices
• Embracing leadership self-awareness and leading by example

• Leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about trust. Laurie emphasizes how quickly building authentic trust allows leaders to connect, hear hard truths, and transform culture from within.
• Self-awareness is non-negotiable for good leadership. Without honest introspection and understanding your own story, you’re likely leading from a limited, outdated perspective.
• Inclusion is intentional work. Creating space for quiet, overlooked, or marginalized team members isn’t just about fairness — it’s about unlocking the talent and wisdom your organization needs.
• Mentorship makes leadership sustainable. If you’re the only one with knowledge or decision-making power, you’re setting your team up to fail. Mentorship ensures the work continues and evolves beyond any one leader.
• Stop relying on old leadership habits. The workplace has changed, and leaders who cling to outdated methods and ignore generational shifts risk damaging their organizations and alienating their people.

"It's really about knowing yourself and knowing that your experiences are not everybody else's right, and then leading in that manner would ask you more questions than shutting up and listening." – Laurie Battaglia

About Laurie Battaglia:

Laurie is a true powerhouse when it comes to building alignment, transforming culture, and accelerating leadership. She is the CEO of Aligned at Work®, where she specializes in strategic planning for executive teams and boards of directors, aligning leadership teams, crafting transformational retreats, and training the next generation of Aligned Leaders™.

But that’s just the beginning. Laurie is a Strategic Advisor, Executive Coach, Professional Speaker, Author, and sharp-eyed Trend-Spotter. 

Laurie’s work isn’t about surface-level fixes—it's about deep alignment that drives results and builds workplaces where people want to be.

Get ready for an energizing conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of work.

Connect with Laurie Battaglia:

Website: https://alignedatwork.com/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebattaglia/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/aligned-at-work/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedatwork 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Judy Ryan discuss:

• How traditional control models in leadership create inferiority complexes and disengagement
• The importance of fostering personal responsibility within every person in an organization
• Shifting from power-over dynamics to shared power, value-based systems
• The role of dignity, trust, and mutual empowerment in culture transformation
• Adlerian psychology’s influence on leadership and workplace wellbeing

Key Takeaways:

• Control-based leadership systems harm both performance and dignity. Judy explains how commonly used control tactics—like punishment, rewards, and enabling—foster resentment, disengagement, and inferiority complexes in teams.
• Personal responsibility should be cultivated at every level. Healthy leadership isn't about controlling people but about helping them reclaim their power, make responsible choices, and lead within their roles.
• True leadership transforms cultures, not just processes. Systemic change happens when leaders dismantle unhealthy, inherited models and replace them with frameworks built on trust, dignity, and shared power.
• Courageous leaders challenge status quo systems. Judy highlights how real transformation often begins with personal and organizational crisis, and the willingness to rethink everything—even long-held assumptions.
• Support and community fuel behavioral change. Tools alone aren't enough; leaders and teams need meaningful support systems to courageously apply new mindsets and habits.

"Tools are important, but they're not as important as the support you need to actually be courageous to implement." – Judy Ryan

About Judy Ryan:

Since 2002, Judy Ryan has been CEO of LifeWork Systems and a recognized thought leader on workplace culture transformation that impacts the engagement and performance of entire workforces for exceptional outcomes. Judy is an award-winning Author, Columnist, Business Show Host, System Developer, Consultant, Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and is frequently interviewed on TV, radio, and podcasts.

For over 20 years, Judy has been leading innovative methods to favorably impact the most important aspect of any organization: its people. She has created CultureEX™, a digital, scalable culture transformation system and implementation framework. Judy’s purpose is to create a world in which all people love their lives.

Connect with Judy Ryan:

Website: www.lifeworksystems.com 

www.courses.lifeworksystems.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-ryan/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Cedric Johnson discuss:

• The essential role of creativity in leadership during times of disruption
• How faith, wellness, and the arts contribute to human flourishing and leadership
• Integrating AI into leadership and nonprofit strategy with integrity
• The importance of risk-taking and discernment in leadership journeys
• Mentorship, community, and collaboration as foundations for growth

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in today’s world demands creativity. Leaders must think beyond traditional frameworks and build adaptive, imaginative strategies with rapidly changing technology, shifting global dynamics, and evolving social needs.
• Risk-taking is essential, but wisdom and community make it sustainable. Cedric highlights that courageous moves are part of every leadership path, and the support of trusted mentors, partners, and careful discernment helps navigate them wisely.
• Mentorship is a leadership lifeline. Cedric’s own journey proves that wise, invested mentors open doors, offer perspective, and help leaders avoid costly missteps in both career and personal growth.
• Technology, including AI, can amplify leadership when used with integrity. AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a tool that requires intentionality, clear values, and discernment to enrich human leadership.
• Introverts can lead powerfully through meaningful, intentional connections. Leadership isn’t about working a room; it’s about building relationships that endure, inspire, and support shared purpose.

“Rather than trying to work a room and get to know 20 people, spend your time trying to connect and make a handful of meaningful connections.” – Cedric Johnson

About Cedric Johnson:

Rev. Dr. Cedric Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of NY. He is also the Founder and Director of the Kinetic Center, a faith-based organization in Brooklyn that seeks to be a catalyst for change through the creative arts, wellness initiatives, and community justice. Dr. Johnson is a published author, trained psychotherapist, and consultant. He holds an MSW from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is interested in trauma-informed counseling, spirituality and mental health, and therapeutic interventions in minoritized communities impacted by neoliberal globalization.

Connect with Cedric Johnson:

Website: https://www.kineticny.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kineticny 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

In this episode, Kevin and Maria Ross discuss:

• What empathy truly means in leadership and business decision-making
• Breaking the myth that empathy makes leaders weak or indecisive
• How leaders can build empathy muscles and foster human connection
• Balancing performance, people, and mental health in high-pressure environments
• The five pillars of empathetic, effective leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy is a leadership strategy, not a weakness. It’s about understanding others’ perspectives to make informed, compassionate decisions—not about caving in or being overly sentimental.
• Productivity thrives in empathetic cultures. The data proves that when leaders prioritize people and human connection, performance and innovation increase.
• Leaders must develop a rhythm of feedback and decisiveness. Delaying difficult conversations for the sake of “being nice” causes long-term harm to relationships and team growth.
• You don’t need permission to lead with empathy. Even in unsupportive company cultures, leaders can model empathy within their own teams and create micro-cultures of trust and collaboration.
• The five pillars of empathetic leadership are self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy. Mastering these areas enables leaders to balance compassion with high performance.

“You actually have to be really strong to be empathetic, because to have that kind of conversation with compassion and concern, but with clarity, it takes a lot of inner strength and inner confidence to be able to have a conversation like that.” – Maria Ross

About Maria Ross:

Maria Ross is a speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate who has spent decades helping forward-thinking leaders and brands connect and engage through empathy for success. Maria's latest book is The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries, and she hosts The Empathy Edge podcast. A TEDx speaker, Maria delivers dynamic keynotes, talks, and leadership trainings to global companies and startups to help them boost engagement and performance. Media appearances include MSNBC, Inc., NPR, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Thrive Global.

Connect with Maria Ross:

Podcast: www.TheEmpathyEdge.com

Website: www.red-slice.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63 

In this episode, Kevin and Daniel Vestal discuss:

• The deep connection between faith, leadership, and influence
• Developing leadership skills through spiritual formation and self-awareness
• How rhythm, not balance, sustains healthy leadership
• The importance of community and learning from diverse perspectives
• Taking risks in leadership and standing firm in conviction

Key Takeaways:

• True leadership flows from inner alignment. When your soul and role are congruent, you cast light through your leadership, shaped by integrity, self-awareness, and purpose.
• Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, effort, and community. Leadership is enriched by intentional learning and sharing space with people who think differently.
• Rhythm sustains well-being. Rather than chasing balance, leaders must cultivate rhythms of solitude, community, and meaningful engagement to thrive over the long term.
• Leadership comes with risk. Standing firm in your convictions may cost something, but it builds respect, character, and long-term influence.
• Mentorship must honor individuality. Great mentors don’t create replicas of themselves; they help others become the leaders they were uniquely called to be.

"Leadership is really influence. So in a sense, everybody is a leader, because everybody has influence."– Daniel Vestal

About Daniel Vestal:

Rev. Dr. Daniel Vestal is the Distinguished University Professor of Baptist Leadership and director of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership. From 1996 to 2012, he served as the Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, based in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was a pastor of Baptist churches both in Texas and Georgia.

He has authored and contributed to numerous books, including Being the Presence of Christ: A Vision for Transformation and his memoir, This Treasure Within. He has written and contributed to various journals, periodicals, and news magazines while also traveling extensively as a preacher, teacher, and speaker for conferences, conventions, and retreats.

Connect with Daniel Vestal:

Website: https://baughcenter.mercer.edu/about/meet-the-director/ 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

In this episode, Kevin and Nancy Becher discuss:

• The challenges faced by women veterans in accessing recognition and support
• The power of servant leadership in advocacy and nonprofit work
• Forgiveness and healing in the aftermath of trauma and chronic illness
• The founding of Invisible Warriors and its mission to uplift underserved voices
• How leaders can build deeper connections through listening and action

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership requires presence, not just position. Leaders must model compassion and commitment and show up consistently for those they serve.
• Listening is a transformative leadership skill. True connection comes from understanding the needs and lived experiences of others, especially those who feel unseen.
• Forgiveness is essential to healing. Nancy’s journey illustrates how forgiving others—and yourself—can unlock purpose and clarity after trauma.
• Advocacy must begin with awareness. Many women veterans don’t receive the same recognition or resources as their male counterparts, and Nancy’s work brings visibility to their experiences.
• Vision and imagination can lead to real change. What began as a dream became a thriving nonprofit by simply believing that a better way was possible—and doing the work to build it.

"I really think that unless the leaders truly understand where their people are coming from, they're not going to be very good leaders." – Nancy Becher

About Nancy Becher:

Nancy Becher is the founder of Invisible Warriors, a 501(c)(3) ministry dedicated to supporting military women facing invisible challenges such as PTS and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Her work is deeply personal, inspired by her own journey of resilience after a life-changing accident in 2014 and her 14-year marriage to a retired Marine Corps MSgt with 23 years of service.

With a Master’s in Counseling and a Ph.D. (ABD) in Sociology, Nancy brings a wealth of knowledge to her mission. She is also an International #1 bestselling author, certified Peer Support Specialist, and Chaplain. Through Invisible Warriors, Nancy provides tailored programs that empower military women to overcome challenges, build resilience, and reclaim their worth. Passionate about continuous growth, Nancy is pursuing certification as a Mental Health Coach while collaborating with military organizations nationwide to expand her reach and impact. To connect with Nancy, email her at [email protected].

Connect with Nancy Becher:

Website: https://invisiblewarriors.org

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nancybecher 

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

Email: [email protected] 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63